Autodesk, Inc., a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, announced Autodesk Fabrication software, a new set of applications designed to help extend Building Information Modeling (BIM) across the building lifecycle to support the fabrication and construction of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) projects. The new software line marks the latest step in Autodesk’s portfolio of solutions aimed at MEP contractors and engineers, and is based on products provided by Micro Application Packages Limited (MAP Software), which Autodesk acquired in October of last year.

“The new Autodesk Fabrication tools reflect our commitment to provide downstream project solutions to extend the benefits of a BIM workflow for the MEP engineering, contractor, and construction market to help them reduce inefficiencies, lower costs, and improve collaboration,” said Nicolas Mangon, senior director, AEC strategy and marketing, Autodesk. “These new tools will help today’s MEP professionals meet the increasing demand from their clients to support a BIM workflow. The Autodesk Fabrication family of products provides the tools today’s MEP contractors and engineers need to support a building systems project moving from design into detailing, fabrication and installation.”

“Our clients are looking for contractors that can deliver a BIM workflow to minimize conflicts, reduce rework and improve collaboration,” said Robert Krier, president of The Hill Group, a Chicago-based firm engaged in construction, maintenance and operation of building systems. “Autodesk software enables us to meet these demands by integrating our processes between design, detailing, fabrication, and installation. The Autodesk Fabrication portfolio helps us bring the benefits of BIM to our clients; for estimating and cost analysis; the detailing of systems using real-world content, and the direct manufacturing of the HVAC components, so our MEP systems are ready for jobsite installation.”

To help support stakeholder buy-in by enabling any member of an extended team to visualize and walk through building services models created with Autodesk Fabrication software, the new line of tools also includes a free* viewer, Autodesk Fabrication Review 2013, which can be downloaded from the Autodesk website.